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Even tech experts have been astonished by the recent, rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology ¡ª it's able to hold human-like conversations in multiple languages, create music and . While the  of AI in fields such as  are indeed inspiring, the pace of change is rapid, and there is still lots of uncertainty about the future.

If you feel worried about how AI could , your privacy or your safety in the coming years, you might be experiencing AI-nxiety. This term, coined by a  and , describes the uneasy feeling about the effects of AI on human creativity and inventiveness. 

 are often related to difficulty coping with uncertainty and ambiguity. People feel anxious not just about what exists, but what is unknown. AI-nxiety stems from feelings of uncertainty about AI¡¯s potential, for example, to create  and spread  that polarizes populations. Some AI-produced content can also provoke a negative emotional reaction in viewers. This unsettling feeling when an AI character or voice  is known as the .

It might help to remember that these feelings aren¡¯t necessarily new. Similar worries about technological advancements, such as ,  and  emerged as early as the 1980s.

In many ways, AI-nxiety is similar to the  that many young people feel about climate change. Like environmental degradation, rapid digitalization is a result of human activity. Many people are now feeling that both of these are getting out of their control.

But AI-nxiety doesn¡¯t have to rule your life. Excessive worry can affect daily activities, and even lead to , and can stop you from seeing the positives of digital advancement. Below are four tips to cope.

1. Realize AI is already here

Lack of familiarity with AI technology could prompt feelings of fear and anxiety towards it. Taking a moment to think about how AI is  might make the new tools that are employing similar algorithms less intimidating.

For example, many people use  to look for nearby restaurants or select a film based on . AI is also part of learning new languages with , or using  to navigate a new city. 

2. Prepare for new career prospects

It¡¯s almost certain that AI will affect the . A 2020 report by the  predicted that 85 million jobs will be replaced by AI by 2025, while AI could potentially generate 97 million new roles across 26 countries. 

But you can prepare by learning how to use AI tools to their  in your current or future career. Several  are available to give you a better understanding of how AI will affect your field and help you prepare by developing your digital skills.

Importantly, though, be mindful of keeping up with  such as interpersonal skills or emotional intelligence that AI can¡¯t (yet) replace. A combination of  for the future health of the workforce.

3. Take a break

If you feel overwhelmed, turn off digital devices or take a break from screens. Using new AI tools or reading the headlines could make you feel anxious or unsettled.  that reducing non-work related digital screen use improves well-being and mood overall. Ironically, there are useful digital support tools, such as , that can give you a hand in reducing your screen time. 

You may even be able to use AI or other digital tools to enrich your offline life. For example, using Google Maps to plot a safe cycling route, or asking ChatGPT for a recipe to cook with friends. This way, you can take a screen break while reminding yourself of the benefits that technology can bring to your life ¡ª two great ways to reduce your AI-nxiety.

4. Read up on regulation

While you shouldn¡¯t spend all your time reading about it (remember tip number three), it could be helpful to stay informed about progress in AI regulation. With eco-anxiety, it can be  that governments are not taking swift action, but those with AI-nxiety might be reassured that some governments are taking the risks seriously.

For example, the EU has just approved a draft law, , to regulate the use of AI in society.

AI  and other , believe  to building trust in the technology before it is used more widely. Good regulation could maximize the value AI offers to society, while minimising risks ¨C and AI-nxiety.

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